The North Coast 500

[northman]

I did this route back in September 2015, before it became a 'thing' and had a wonderful trip with total solitude over night at places like Dunnet Head and the Grey Cairns of Camster. I want to go to Orkney from Scrabster next year but have been put off by the reports of trouble, overcrowding, poor behaviour and even attempts to force motorhomes off the road! Does anyone have up to date experience, that hasn't been processed through the media, that might reassure me?

 

[caledonia]

Don’t believe the hype. Go and enjoy yourself and don’t worry what other people are doing.

 

[runnach]

Ditto with Cale. Plus, take a fair size motor to force me off the road

 

[number14]

Just returned from Orkney. No problems. Some really quiet Wilding spots behind the beaches. Scara brae etc were busy with Merkins off the cruise ships but still worth visiting if you haven't before. Back in the Highlands etc again no probs. Enjoy.

 

[Boris7]

I did this route back in September 2015, before it became a 'thing' and had a wonderful trip with total solitude over night at places like Dunnet Head and the Grey Cairns of Camster. I want to go to Orkney from Scrabster next year but have been put off by the reports of trouble, overcrowding, poor behaviour and even attempts to force motorhomes off the road! Does anyone have up to date experience, that hasn't been processed through the media, that might reassure me?

We did part of the NC500 back in July 2020 and it was truly awful, all the bad behaviour overcrowding, poor behaviour you mentioned were present, yes a car did try to force me off the road and as much as he was a knob I actually felt for the locals.

BUT I suspect it’s all back to normal now, and if not then not so intense as it was then, Covid restriction being lifted should mean the idiots have gone elsewhere.

 

[mistericeman]

Buy a £5 Road atlas from a garage and use os maps/Google earth to search out paths less trod....

Solitude and deserted spots are STILL to be found...

 

[linkshouse]

We did the western highlands part of the nc500 last year wild camping for a week with no problems (two vans in convoy). It was busier than I’ve seen it before with people in tents and in the back of estate cars but again no hassles.

As for Orkney we live on one of Orkney‘s northern isles and regularly have mini breaks to Orkney mainland and have never seen any trouble. The folk here are very friendly.

 

[northman]

Thanks for all the replies, it's very reassuring to hear from people who've actually done it rather than reading about it in media that want to make it as sensational as possible.

 

[izwozral]

Just be mindful of the locals who need to go about their everyday lives, do the usual courtesies, pull over let them pass, spend local, pay the honesty boxes and follow the WC code.

However , Runnach does allow cassette emptying in his garden and partying on his drive plus the waving of pro SNP flags whilst singing Rule Britania.

 

[Boris7]

Solitude and deserted spots are STILL to be found...

View attachment 110395

 

[mistericeman]

View attachment 110397

 

[caledonia]

Buy a £5 Road atlas from a garage and use os maps/Google earth to search out paths less trod....

Solitude and deserted spots are STILL to be found...

View attachment 110395

Wot he said
Go with a positive attitude not a negative one. Scotland and it’s islands are beautiful so go and enjoy them. Avoid the honeypots and explore the wee dead end roads.

 

[mistericeman]

 

[caledonia]

 

[trevskoda]

Just be mindful of the locals who need to go about their everyday lives, do the usual courtesies, pull over let them pass, spend local, pay the honesty boxes and follow the WC code.

However , Runnach does allow cassette emptying in his garden and partying on his drive plus the waving of pro SNP flags whilst singing Rule Britania.

And the handing out of free biscuits.

 

[mistericeman]

 

[mistericeman]

 

[The Jacks]

We done the NC500 back in May and had a fantastic time, it was very busy then and can't imagine how busy it gets in the holiday time, never had any issues with anyone, go for it.

 

[runnach]

We visited Corrieshalloch Gorge one Easter holiday. Braw weather but cold at night. The Mother Nature icicle art was very impressive. The gorge is a must see.

 

[Penny13]

We had a fabulous time back end of 21, official campsites looked busy our wilding choices sometimes with company but often not. One mad lady headed towards us but it was just bad driving not an attempt to aim at us. We did do the road everyone drives but another time will head off. Beautiful life experience full of surprises .